The HowTo NetworkTravel

Booking a Round-the-World Trip Through Southeast Asia

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

Do not book a single airline alliance ticket; instead, buy an initial long-haul flight into a major hub like Bangkok or Singapore and book regional budget flights as you go. This approach saves you at least $800 compared to fixed multi-stop RTW tickets and provides total flexibility for your route.

Budget
$50-$70 per day for travel costs
Duration
30-90 days recommended
Best Time
November to February for dry weather
Visa Required
Depends; check each country's entry requirements on official government portals.

Step by step

  1. Identify your gateway hubs

    Search for flights from your home country to major Asian hubs: Bangkok (BKK), Singapore (SIN), or Kuala Lumpur (KUL). These are the cheapest entry points and offer the most connections.

  2. Use regional low-cost carriers

    Once in Asia, use carriers like AirAsia, VietJet, and Scoot. Book these flights 3–5 weeks in advance to secure tickets between $40 and $90. Use Google Flights to track these specific routes.

  3. Avoid regional airline alliances

    Don't bother with 'Round-the-World' passes from Star Alliance or Oneworld; they are overpriced and restrictive. Simply piece together your legs individually as you decide your next destination.

  4. Verify luggage fees

    Budget Asian airlines almost always charge for checked bags. Factor in an extra $20–$30 per flight for a 20kg checked bag when calculating your flight budget.

Questions people ask

Should I use a flight aggregator or book directly with the airline?

Use aggregators like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best route, then click through to the airline’s website to book. If you have an issue, it is much easier to resolve directly with the airline than through a third-party site.

How far in advance should I book regional flights?

3 to 5 weeks is the sweet spot. Prices rise significantly within 14 days of departure.

Baggage Fees
$25 per flight on average for regional carriers.
Regional Flights
Expect to pay $50–$120 per flight segment depending on the route and booking lead time.
Long Haul Flights
$800–$1,200 round trip from North America or Europe.

Packing

  • A 40L carry-on compatible backpack to avoid checked bag fees on regional budget airlines.
  • A portable power bank for long transit days in budget terminals.
  • Universal travel adapter with multiple USB ports.
  • An organized document sleeve for physical visa printouts.